The Indian ethnic group stands out as the most prominent among professional workers in the United Kingdom, according to a groundbreaking report released by the Policy Exchange think tank on Monday. The study, titled A Portrait of Modern Britain: Ethnicity and Religion, underscores the growing complexity within the UK’s ethnic landscape, challenging the traditional approach of treating ethnic minorities as a single, homogenous entity in public policy formulation.
The report reveals that British Indians not only hold the highest concentration of professional roles but also boast the highest home ownership rates among ethnic minorities. Specifically, 71 percent of British Indians reside in properties they either own outright, hold a mortgage or loan on, or share ownership of, highlighting significant economic stability within this community.
Policy Exchange’s extensive analysis delves into demographic, educational, health, and economic data sourced from the 2021 UK Census and supplemented by polling conducted by Redfield and Wilton. The study employed a nationally representative sample of 2,000 individuals across all ethnicities, alongside targeted “booster” samples of 1,400 ethnic minority respondents from groups including Black African, Black Caribbean, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese, and Mixed-Race backgrounds.
One of the key conclusions drawn by the report is the diminishing relevance of broad ethnic categories such as “South Asian.” The diversity within these classifications obscures significant economic and social differences among subgroups like Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis. “Considering ethnic minorities as a monolithic group for public policy purposes is now increasingly meaningless,” the report states, advocating for more nuanced and specific policy approaches that recognize the unique circumstances of each community.
Sir Trevor Phillips, a senior fellow at Policy Exchange, emphasizes the urgency of this nuanced approach in his foreword. “These days, integration won’t happen naturally… The politics of the Indian sub-continent and the Middle East, for example, are no longer ‘quarrels in a faraway country between people of whom we know nothing.’” He warns that complacency in managing diversity could pave the way for extremism and social conflict, stressing that the nation’s future depends on effective diversity management.
In addition to economic and social insights, the report highlights public sentiment towards national identity and history. Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed—72 percent—expressed that children should be taught to take pride in British history, with a majority acknowledging Britain’s historical role as a positive force globally.
The findings call for a comprehensive government-led national integration strategy. Policy Exchange advocates for educational reforms that foster pride in Britain’s heritage while embracing inclusivity, ensuring that the country’s diverse history and traditions are adequately represented and celebrated.
As the UK continues to navigate its multicultural reality, the Policy Exchange report serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of recognizing and addressing the distinct needs and contributions of its varied ethnic communities. By moving beyond broad categorizations, policymakers can better support the diverse populations that constitute modern Britain, paving the way for a more cohesive and resilient society.
